How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular automatic cleaning robot. The top models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.

The ones that are more expensive can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and Best Robot vacuum for the money charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, meaning you can continue to do chores while it is working. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a less efficient navigation system.

highest rated robot vacuum price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of the entire chore in one go. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

When it comes to mop pads, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots can't reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.

However, the new sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.

In addition to being capable of working in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that might hinder this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to go to. This is helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.